NATO under pressure: Experts warn of weakened alliance after summit!

NATO under pressure: Experts warn of weakened alliance after summit!

Today, June 26, 2025, there will be a report on the recently held NATO summit in The Hague, which political scientist Carlo Masala considers to be less than successful. Masala sees NATO as weakened because Ukraine did not play a central role at the summit and the threat from Russia was not clearly identified. “There is something going on,” warns Masala and sees the defense alliance in a precarious state.

A key message of the summit was the setting of a new spending target: from 2035, NATO countries should spend five percent of their gross domestic product on defense. This is seen as an attempt to please US President Donald Trump, although there are doubts whether all member states will actually meet this ambitious target. Spain and Slovakia in particular have openly spoken out against it, while Italy is dissatisfied with the decision.

Looking at NATO strategy

In the context of the Ukraine war, which continues to play a crucial role in the geopolitical landscape, NATO countries are called upon to strengthen their defense and support for Ukraine. According to a report by ZDFheute, a central theme of the next summit will be strengthening Ukrainian air defense, with a total of 40 billion euros to be pledged for Ukraine. However, this depends heavily on the outcome of the US elections in November.

The situation in Ukraine is militarily deadlocked, which increases the challenge for NATO. Of concern are ongoing Russian attacks on civilians, particularly in Kiev, and growing tensions within the Western military alliance.

Challenges and tasks for NATO

NATO General Christian Badia has highlighted that the new strategy also requires creating a dilemma for the enemy. The allocation of the five percent of GDP for defense will in future provide 3.5 percent for military budgets and 1.5 percent for infrastructure and security. Given the global political uncertainties, particularly due to the USA's focus on the Indo-Pacific and challenges such as China, a clear strategy is required.

The demand for greater ownership by European partners is growing as NATO can no longer rely solely on US support. Carlo Masala raises concerns about the reliability of the US in an alliance, especially under Trump. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is also facing criticism after a text message to Trump that was deemed inappropriate became public.

“We urgently need a European strategy to replace the current US contributions to security,” demands Masala and recommends addressing NATO's personnel problem and, if necessary, introducing compulsory military service to strengthen the armed forces. A rethink is necessary to counter the possible aggressive foreign policy of Russia, which could test a NATO member state towards the end of the decade.

NATO was founded in 1949, then with 12 nations, and has transformed over the years, building partnerships with former adversaries such as Russia. It is currently a security policy backbone for 32 member states that need to work more closely together at a time of increasing tensions.

Masala will present his book "If Russia Wins. A Scenario" next Saturday at the Phil.Cologne philosophy festival in Cologne, which will certainly arouse great interest.